United's Heroes: Robson Is Nev's, McGrath Is O'Shea's, Maradona Is Rooney's

Sir Alex Ferguson, Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick, Anderson, Jonny Evans, John O’Shea and Ben Foster tell the official United magazine who their heroes are.

Sir Alex Ferguson – Denis Law

“Denis was my hero. I idolised him. When I first met him I was so excited. It was at a game in Paris, he had played in the first half and we went for a cup of tea afterwards. I thought, ‘This is it, I’ve made it!’ He epitomised everything a Scotsman is about. He was daring and courageous, he had that bravado about him and he had style. He was a truly fantastic footballer.”

Jonny Evans – Roy Keane

“I reckon 80 per cent of young players who supported Manchester United when they were growing up would tell you that Roy Keane was their hero – just because of the way he was and the character he is. Keano was an awesome player – and an incredible leader.”

Gary Neville – Bryan Robson

“I always thought Bryan Robson was everything that a United player should be – and I still do. Even when I watch footage of him in action now, I always think of him giving everything for the cause. Blood, guts and thunder – with real class as well.”

John O’Shea – Paul McGrath

“Paul McGrath was a big favourite. He was as comfortable playing in midfield as he was at centre-back. It wasn’t a problem to him. He was the versatile type. And not only did he have great ability he was also very calm on the ball. He was a special player.”

Ben Foster – Peter Schmeichel

“Peter Schmeichel was a cut above the rest in his era and changed the face of goalkeeping. I still try to model myself on him and use aspects of his game in mine. He produced some truly unbelievable saves. I still watch them on YouTube.”

Anderson – Rivaldo

“His passing and his aggressive way of playing was great. I’m definitely a big admirer of his technique.”

Rio Ferdinand, Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney – Maradona

Rio Ferdinand: “My inspiration to play football was probably Diego Maradona. He’s the first memory I have of someone doing something really great. I had all his videos and loved watching him.”

Ryan Giggs: “I always used to look out for left-footers and John Barnes and Maradona were always the ones that I looked up to when I was a kid. I remember Maradona in the 1986 World Cup. He was such a great player. That goal he scored against England – not the Hand of God goal – was absolutely amazing.”

Wayne Rooney: “My favourite player is Maradona. I’ve watched lots of videos of him in action and I just love the way he played. In my eyes, he’s the best player of all time.”

Michael Carrick – Peter Beardsley, Gazza and Ian Wright

“I loved the way Beardo (Peter Beardsley) played the game. Gascoigne was an absolute genius. Wright I enjoyed watching more for his goal celebrations.”